Your preschooler's development (35 to 36 months)

Milestones

By his third birthday, your preschooler can probably put on his T-shirt, draw a vertical line, and balance on each foot for a second or more. He might even be able to prepare a bowl of cereal for himself.

Runs and jumps without a thought

Many of your child's basic movements have become second nature. He no longer needs to focus energy on walking, standing, running, or jumping. Some actions, like standing on tiptoes or on one foot, might still require concentration and effort.

Focuses for longer periods

The amount of time your preschooler is able to focus on one activity has increased dramatically. This, along with his more sophisticated social skills, will allow him to play more structured games with others, like tag or Go Fish.

Bye-bye to napping

By now your child probably needs only a short nap in the afternoon, if any at all. Still, you might find that scheduling a quiet, restful time in the afternoon — whether he sleeps or not — can be a calming part of his day. At this age, he has a need for privacy, and time to relax alone during a busy day can help him feel settled and at ease.

Playing doctor

Becoming interested in what's inside someone else's pants is a normal part of growing up. Try not to react with shock or horror if you find your child in the midst of an anatomy check with another child. Just let him know that penises and vaginas are kept private. Then steer both children toward another activity. They'll probably be relieved, since they already have some sense that the game they were playing is taboo.

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.